What Makes the Ganga Purest Freshwater River in the World?

The Ganges is one of the most sacred rivers in India and has been scientifically proven to have a unique ability to self-purify. Despite the sacred tendencies of millions of devotees in events such as Maha Kumbh, the river remains free of bacteria due to special phages. Dr. Ajay Sonkar, a pioneering study led by Padma Shri, revealed that these phages naturally cleanse water, making Ganga the only freshwater river in the world with such excellent self-purification properties.

Why is Ganga the freshest river in the world?

A recent scientific study found that Ganges water contains 1,100 types of phages that act as a natural purifier by eliminating harmful bacteria and pollutants.

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What are the unique characteristics of the self-purification mechanism of Ganges?

The Ganges has a significant self-purification mechanism driven primarily by phages – microviruses that permeate harmful bacteria, hijack their RNA and destroy them. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining water purity. It is worth noting that the phages in the Ganges eliminate 50 times the bacteria, 50 times faster than usual, significantly reducing microbial contamination. Furthermore, the phage selectively attacks harmful bacteria while retaining beneficial microorganisms, thereby ensuring ecological balance. The river’s self-cleaning ability reflects the ocean purification process, in which natural microbial interactions contribute to sustained water quality. In addition, each phage quickly reproduces 100-300 new phages, ensuring continuous cycles of bacterial elimination and long-term water purity. This unique natural system makes the Ganges one of the few rivers with such efficient self-purification capabilities.

What is the role of phages in Ganges purification?

Source: ScienceDirect

Phages play a crucial role in the purification of the Ganges by targeting harmful bacteria, destroying them and ensuring sustained water quality. Here is given:

• Natural Water Cleaner: Bacteriophages, although 50 times smaller than bacteria, are very effective in eliminating them. These micro entities act as “security officers” for the river, ensuring water purity.
• During Maha Kumbh: Bathing in the river for millions, phages detect and neutralize harmful bacteria released from the human body. Each phage is rapidly multiplied by (100-300 new phages per cycle) to continue its purification effect.
• Selective elimination: The phage is targeted only at harmful bacteria, and beneficial microorganisms are not injured.

Note: What is a bacteriophage? The term phage comes from Greek and means “bacterial dieter”. Phages or phages are viruses that target and infect bacteria. These viruses infect bacteria only by injecting their genetic material into bacterial cells. They exist in nature and have a variety of shapes and genetic structures. These microscopic entities are composed of genetic material contained in the protein shell. Phages are found in almost every environment where bacteria exist, and phages play a crucial role in ecosystems by affecting bacterial populations, promoting genetic exchanges and driving bacterial evolution. Source: ScienceDirect

Scientific verification and expert insights

Dr. Ajay Sonkar, a global expert in cancer research, genetic code, cell biology and autophagy, has conducted extensive research to verify the purity of the Ganges. His collaboration with Wageningen University, Rice University, Tokyo Polytechnic and Harvard Medical School further strengthened the credibility of these findings.

Expert opinions

• According to Dr. Ajay Sonkar, nature provides valuable lessons for mankind through the self-cultivation of the Ganges. He believes that just as rivers maintain purity, human beings should also strive to live in peace with nature.
• Scientific Reports: Research emphasizes the alkalinity of Ganges water, which supports survival and enhances purification.

Comparison with other freshwater bodies

feature	Ganges	Other Tamsui Rivers
The presence of phages	Yes (1,100 types)	Limited or none
Self-purification	50 times faster bacteria elimination	No self-purification mechanism
Targeted bacteria removal	Yes	No
Alkaline	Strong	Weak to neutral
Large-scale human impact	Despite bathing in millions, there are still no bacteria	Rapid deterioration

Cultural and environmental significance

The Ganges has huge religious, economic and ecological values, respected by millions, while also playing a crucial role in sustainability and biodiversity.

• Religious importance: worshipped by millions of Ganges is indispensable for Indian spirituality and rituals.
• Economic Impact: Maha Kumbh and religious tourism contributed Rs 3 lakh to the economy.
• Environmental Information: Ganges’ natural ability to maintain cleanliness highlights the importance of global sustainable water management practices.

Government response and CPCB issues

The Uttar Pradesh government issued an official statement citing Dr. Sonkar’s research in response to the concern raised by the Central Pollution Control Commission (CPCB) on the water quality of the river. It asserted that despite the influx of Maha Kumbh, the water of the Ganges was still pure and alkaline.

in conclusion

Scientific research has confirmed that the Ganges is the only freshwater river in the world with a self-purification system powered by bacteriophages. This discovery challenges the problem of pollution and emphasizes the unique ecological and cultural importance of the river. Protecting and preserving this natural miracle is crucial for future generations.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion